Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs TRN X7: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears KE4 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Kiwi Ears KE4 - Outstanding overall at around $199.
Wired IEMs
TRN X7
25Weak
$130
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Kiwi Ears KE4 leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- Kiwi Ears KE4
- TRN X7
HearWiki score
84
25
Sound
8.6
4.6
Value
8.6
-
Price (USD)
$200
$130
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The Kiwi Ears KE4 is 6 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- KE420246 yr newer
- X72018
Specifications
KE4X7
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $130
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 25
- Released
- 2024
- 2018
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- 7× balanced armature
- Driver type
- hybrid
- balanced-armature
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 4
- 7
- Frequency response
- -
- 20 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 20 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 102 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Weight
- -
- 12 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- 3.5 mm
What reviewers said
Kiwi Ears KE4
The Kiwi Ears KE4 is a wired hybrid IEM that offers a balanced, relaxing sound with a distinct twist on the popular 'New Meta' tuning, adding extra bass and treble sparkle. It delivers solid midrange clarity and a comfortable fit, making it a versatile choice for many genres, though its smooth presentation may not excite those seeking aggressive or highly dynamic sound.
- Pro:Well-balanced hybrid tuning with rich lower mids and airy treble
- Pro:Comfortable fit and broad genre versatility
- Pro:Good resolution and clarity for its price
- Con:Sub-bass can get overpowering at times
- Con:Limited resolving power and dynamic impact
- Con:Smooth tuning may feel less exciting than V-shaped alternatives
TRN X7
The TRN X7 is a wired in-ear monitor built around seven balanced-armature drivers, offering a wide frequency range and a lightweight, replaceable-cable design with a standard 3.5 mm plug. Its tuning leans toward a bright, detailed treble that can occasionally come across as sharp, while the bass and midrange deliver solid performance for the price. It's a good pick for listeners curious about multi-BA setups, though its sound may not suit everyone's taste.
- Pro:Excellent build and fit quality
- Pro:Strong bass and midrange performance
- Pro:Lightweight at only 12 g
- Con:Treble can be sharp or piercing at times
- Con:Not an all-around standout for all genres
- Con:Requires a capable source due to 20 ohm impedance
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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